A Ghana beyond aid will restore our dignity – Ofori-Atta

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has said it is imperative that Ghana attains financial independence from foreign donors for the sake of its dignity.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country on the continent to gain independence in 1957, and has often served as a leading voice on matters affecting other nations.

According to Ken Ofori-Atta, given the country’s place in the history of Africa and the role the country plays on the continent, it would be embarrassing for Ghana not to achieve complete autonomy from aid from Western and Eastern superpowers.

“Ghana is a beacon to countries across Africa. We led the way to independence, and it is our moral duty to continue being a positive role model. Besides, we cannot continue going to our colonial masters cup-in-hand forever,” he said.

“Our dignity as a people is at stake. Ghana should not be poor. The president has said this on many occasions, the Vice President has also said it, and I reiterate; Ghana should not be poor.”

The Finance Minister, who addressed the 3rd Aliu Mahama Memorial Lecture at the National Theatre on Thursday, accused successive governments of padding the country’s revenue deficits with donor aid and loans.

He insisted that the Akufo-Addo administration was committed to ensuring that it reduces the country’s dependence on donor support until the country becomes independent of aid.

“Over the years, government revenue has not been at par with its expenditure, and successive governments have always plugged the gap either through domestic borrowing or bilateral aid from donors,” the Finance Minister said.

“As a result of the country’s current lower middle-income status, donor aid is shrinking, and should soon belong to the past. Ghana beyond aid calls for a rethink of our trajectory, our systems and our aspirations."